Join Rockhoppers for a free day social walk in the countryside south of London

Our next social walk is on Saturday 14th November, following a linear route from Tonbridge station around the beautiful countryside between Tonbridge and Royal Tunbridge Wells TQ 584 392.

📍Our meeting point is outside the main entrance of Tonbridge Station (https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=%2Fm%2F05tb8_) TQ 586 460 at 10:00 am.

🗺️ Route

Approximately 10 mi / 16 km long, this scenic walk sets off along the peaceful Medway valley, skirting past Somerhill Park and Tudeley - where we will stop to view the world-famous Marc Chagall stained-glass windows at All Saints' Church (https://www.tudeley.org/Groups/363846/Chagall_Windows.aspx) TQ 622 439 (Marc Chagall is the most famous painter from my home country Belarus). We'll then push on through woodlands to the village of Pembury for our lunch stop. Afterwards, we'll cross over the A21 footbridge to pick up the stunning Tunbridge Wells Circular Path, enjoying panoramic valley views across the High Weald before descending into our final destination about 3:30pm.

Map: OS Explorer 147: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge (including Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham), scale: 1:25,000.

🚂 Transport

Public Transport: To maximize daylight before the 4:30 pm sunset, we are starting early. To gather outside Tonbridge station for 10:00 AM, the best option is to take the 08:48 AM direct service from London Bridge, which runs non-stop and arrives at Tonbridge at 09:42 AM. This gives everyone a comfortable 18-minute window to use the station facilities, buy snacks, or grab a morning coffee before the group sets off. (If anyone happens to miss this train, the absolute last backup service is at 09:18 AM, which arrives at 10:12 AM).

Reminder: Due to planned engineering works on the weekend of 14th November, no Southeastern services will run through Charing Cross or Waterloo East, so everyone must travel via London Bridge).

Ticket tip: Buy an Off-Peak Day Return to Tunbridge Wells, which will cover your outbound journey to Tonbridge and your return journey from Tunbridge Wells. Should be £22 - buy tickets early as they may be limited.

Driving: If you prefer to drive, you can park at Tonbridge Station Long Stay Car Park (https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=%2Fg%2F12qff7w3c) (Priority Booking/Southeastern app) or nearby town center car parks like Upper Castle Field (https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=%2Fg%2F11jz5gkm1r). Because this is a linear walk, you will just need to hop on the frequent 10-minute train service from our finishing point at Tunbridge Wells back to your car at Tonbridge at the end of the day

🥾 Gear

As it is mid-November, please dress in warm, breathable layers and bring a reliable waterproof jacket. Sturdy, waterproof walking boots are highly recommended as the farm tracks, orchards, and woodland sections are bound to be wet and muddy. Please bring a packed lunch and snacks to keep your energy up, plus at least 1.5 liters of water.

🫖 Refreshments and amenities

Public toilets and cafes are available at Tonbridge Station at the start, and we will find plenty of facilities when we arrive in Tunbridge Wells at the end. We will be stopping outdoors in the village of Pembury (https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=%2Fm%2F03rx8h) for a picnic lunch (there are local convenience shops nearby if you need to top up your supplies - but let's try to avoid it to save time). After finishing the walk, we will gather for a celebratory post-hike pint in one of the historic pubs along the beautiful, colonnaded Pantiles (https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=%2Fm%2F02s1pz) near Tunbridge Wells station.

Members: please sign up via the club website rather than here.

Description supplied by the event organiser.